Can You Get Salmonella From Peanut Brittle?

Manufacturers of peanut brittle can taint their products with salmonella if the products or their ingredients are not handled safely. In 2009 a salmonella contamination in peanut products, including peanut brittle, swept the United States, leading to a number of illnesses and deaths.

Salmonella

• Salmonella is a bacteria. People infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. Salmonella infection usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Salmonella can spread to the intestines and blood streams, leading to death. Infants, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness.

Food Safety

• Food manufacturers are required to meet government safety standards. According to an article from the New York Times, manufactures can't guarantee 100 percent safety of their products.

Peanut Recall

• In January of 2009, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) announced a nationwide recall of peanut butter produced at one of its facilities in Georgia. In late January, the peanut recall grew to include peanut brittle. As a result of the PCA's negligence, 27,000 people were infected and nine died.

Warning

• You can check if peanut brittle you purchased was recalled by visiting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. You can also call the phone number on the side of your peanut brittle package and talk to the manufacturer.

Treatment

• There is no specific treatment for salmonella other than getting rest and drinking fluids. In serious cases, doctors can prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.